Charlie French Advance voted best bat by Wisden Cricketer
by Alan Rowley, 2nd April 2007

Charlie French's Advance bat has been voted 'best bat 2007' in the Wisden Cricketers' 'Good Gear Guide 2007'. The bat, which secures a five start rating, beat the Gray-Nicolls Viper and the Gunn & Moore Catalyst into the runners-up spot.

The review of the bat (pictured right) is as follows:

'What a bat!

The bat that made me think I could do a job in England's middle order. Like picking up a good-looking driver and you just know you're going to hit it miles down the middle, this bat gave me the same confidence. I knew I was going to straight-drive to the boundary, hold my pose, then gently tap down the pitch.

The middle was fantastic, the rest of the bat was very forgiving and I felt I could not only use this to nurdle singles in the middle of an innings but it would hold up in the explosive overs of acceleration. The balance was supreme with a wonderful, flowing, elegant shape - this bat flew. But why did they give it that orange handle?

The Ricky Ponting of bats - just pure class. At this price, buy one - it's a steal.'

A delighted Charlie French told 'the follow on': 'I'm very proud to be given this accolade. It's pleasing to see that all the top bats were English made and I'm delighted to have edged out the others for the top award, especially for a bat that was just plucked from the shelves!'

To view the full range of Charlie French bats, visit his website here.

You can visit the Wisden Cricketer website by clicking here.